In Australia, More Emphasis on Guards as Frontline Against Terror

    Aug. 30, 2006
    Australia's attorney general calls for higher standards for security guards
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    PHILIP Ruddock is demanding private security firms increase their checks on guards because of their role in protecting key buildings, airports and landmarks in the war on terror.

    The Attorney-General believes the days of private security guards dealing with ''shoplifters and drunks'' are over and that the security industry is now in the forefront of fighting terrorism in Australia.

    There are fears of a criminal element in the security industry, with some companies only paying lip service to licensing and training, he said.

    ''Security guards need to be of the highest character. They cannot be susceptible to, or participate in, any form of criminal activity,'' Mr Ruddock said.

    The security industry must lift its standards and ''eliminate undesirable elements'', he said.

    Mr Ruddock has warned Australia is ''on al-Qa'ida's radar'' and that every year of the past five a terrorist plot against Australia or its interests was disrupted, aborted or carried out.

    In a speech prepared for the security industry in Sydney today, the federal Attorney-General said dealing with the London bombings had shown ''the enormous potential of business and the security industry in providing vital assistance and support in the event of a terrorist incident''.

    ''Security professionals contribute to the safety of all Australians. They guard our airports, our national icons and our places of work. They keep our shopping centres and sporting stadiums secure,'' Mr Ruddock said.

    The Howard Government has been attacked in parliament for a lack of security at regional airports, not being able to account for lost security passes to airports and wharves and for not preventing criminal activity and criminals within security at airports.

    Two weeks ago, Labor's spokesman on homeland security, Arch Bevis, told parliament that construction work at Sydney airport had not been properly secured, granting easy access to airport hangars.

    Mr Bevis told parliament a security perimeter had not been properly sealed and a simple chock of wood was used to close a door with access to hangars.

    The Attorney-General said governments had to take some responsibility for the difficulties because there was a lack co-ordination with 17 different acts and regulations across Australia governing the security industry.

    Mr Ruddock said ''national harmonisation of laws across various sectors is one of my quests''.